Boat Rental Corfu, Book a Skippered Charter

You want to rent a boat in Corfu, but you don't have a licence and you don't want to deal with the hassle of navigating unfamiliar waters. Fair enough. The solution is a skippered charter, which is exactly what BoatHire24 offers across the Costa del Sol and beyond. While our home ports are in Marbella, Puerto Banús and Estepona, we can arrange a boat rental Corfu experience through our network of trusted partners. Every booking includes a licensed skipper who knows the coast, so you can focus on swimming, sunbathing and exploring the island's coves.

Corfu has a lot going for it: turquoise water, Venetian architecture and a coastline that begs to be seen from the sea. A day charter from Corfu town, Gouvia or Kassiopi gets you to spots like Paleokastritsa, the Blue Lagoon and the tiny island of Vido. Prices vary by boat size and season, but you can expect to pay from around EUR 400 for a half-day on a motorboat up to several thousand for a full-day luxury catamaran. The skipper handles the navigation, mooring and any local regulations, so all you have to do is show up with your swimsuit and sunglasses.

What a Skippered Boat Rental Corfu Includes

When you book a boat rental Corfu through BoatHire24, you are getting a complete package. The skipper is a licensed professional who knows the local waters, weather patterns and best anchorages. They also handle fuel costs, insurance and any port fees that apply during the charter. Most boats come with a cooler, ice, snorkelling gear and a Bluetooth speaker. Some include SUP boards, inflatable slides or fishing rods. You do not need a boating licence, and you do not need to speak Greek, the skippers speak English.

The typical half-day charter lasts 4 hours, a full day is 8 hours. You can customise the route with the skipper on the morning of departure. Want to stop at a secluded beach for lunch? No problem. Fancy a swim in the middle of the channel? The skipper will find a safe spot. The boat is yours for the duration, but the skipper stays in charge of the vessel at all times.

Corfu Ports and Departure Points

Most boat rental Corfu charters depart from Corfu town's old port or the new marina in Gouvia. Gouvia marina is the largest on the island and has plenty of parking, restaurants and a chandlery. If you are staying in the north, Kassiopi and Sidari have smaller harbours that work for speedboats and RIBs. The south of the island has a marina in Lefkimmi, but that is less common for day charters. When you book on BoatHire24, you can filter by departure port to find the most convenient option for your villa or hotel.

For a full-day trip, many skippers head north to the channel between Corfu and Albania, where the water is incredibly clear. Alternatively, you can go south towards the island of Paxos, though that is a longer journey, more of a full-day or overnight trip. The most popular routes include the north-east coast with its olive groves and small pebble beaches, and the west coast near Paleokastritsa, famous for its underwater caves.

Types of Boats Available for Corfu Charters

BoatHire24 lists a range of vessels for boat rental Corfu, from simple motorboats to luxury catamarans and sailing yachts. Motor yachts are the most common: they are fast, stable and have plenty of deck space for sunbathing. A typical 8-metre motorboat with a 150hp engine can carry up to 8 passengers and costs from around EUR 400 for a half-day. Catamarans are wider and more stable, ideal for groups who want to move around without feeling seasick. A 12-metre catamaran with a skipper might cost EUR 1,200 for a full day, including fuel.

RIB boats (rigid inflatable boats) are a good option for smaller groups or those on a tighter budget. They are fast and nimble, perfect for reaching remote beaches quickly. Sailing yachts are available but less common for day charters, they are better for week-long flotillas or overnight trips. If you want something special, there are a few luxury motor yachts over 20 metres that can be chartered with crew, but those are price on request and usually require advance booking.

Pricing and What Affects the Cost

Pricing for boat rental Corfu depends on boat size, engine type, season and duration. High season (July and August) is the most expensive, with rates roughly 30-50% higher than in May or October. A half-day on a basic motorboat starts around EUR 400, while a full-day on a 10-metre catamaran with a skipper can be EUR 1,500. Fuel is usually included in the price, but check the listing details, some operators charge extra for fuel or for long distances. Port fees are typically covered by the skipper, but if you want to stop at a private beach club that charges mooring fees, that is on you.

BoatHire24 does not set the prices, the skippers and boat owners do. We simply list them and take a small commission. You can compare multiple options on the search page and filter by price, boat type and passenger capacity. Always read the terms carefully: some boats have a maximum passenger limit that includes the skipper, so a 10-person boat means 9 guests plus the skipper.

Best Time for a Boat Rental Corfu

The Corfu charter season runs from April to October. May and June are fantastic: the weather is warm (25-30 degrees C), the water is clean, and the beaches are less crowded. July and August are peak season, hot and busy, but the sea is calm and the evenings are long. September is the sweet spot: the water is still warm from summer, the crowds thin out, and the prices drop slightly. October can be hit or miss, some days are perfect, others bring wind and rain. For the best balance of weather and value, aim for late May or early September.

Wind is a factor in the Ionian Sea. The meltemi wind can blow in July and August, but Corfu is partly sheltered by the mainland and the mountains. Most skippers will check the forecast and adjust the route accordingly. If the wind is strong on the west coast, they will stay on the calmer east side. You can trust the skipper to make the right call.

How to Book a Boat Rental Corfu Online

Booking on BoatHire24 is straightforward. Go to the BoatHire24 homepage, enter your destination (Corfu), dates and passenger count. The system shows available boats with photos, specs and skipper profiles. You can read a brief bio of the skipper, see the boat's amenities and check the cancellation policy. Once you choose a boat, you pay a deposit (usually 30-50%) online. The balance is paid to the skipper on the day of the charter, either in cash or by card, depending on the operator.

We recommend booking at least a week in advance during high season. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but the best boats go fast. If you have a specific request, a birthday cake, a photographer, a water sports instructor, mention it in the booking notes. The skipper will do their best to arrange it (extra costs may apply).

Who Is a Skippered Boat Rental Corfu For?

This service is for anyone who wants to enjoy the sea without the stress of driving a boat. Couples, families with children, groups of friends, corporate events, all work. The skipper is there to ensure safety and to show you the best spots. If you are a confident sailor with a licence, you might prefer a bareboat charter, but that is a different product. For the majority of tourists, a skippered boat rental Corfu is the easiest and safest way to explore the coast.

Children are welcome on most boats, but check the age restrictions, some skippers require life jackets for kids under 12. If you are planning a party with alcohol, keep it reasonable. The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board, and excessive drinking can cut the trip short. Most skippers are happy to stop at a taverna for lunch where you can have wine or beer, but they will not allow open bottles on the boat if it creates a risk.

Local Highlights You Can See on a Corfu Charter

Corfu's coastline is packed with natural and historical sights. The Blue Lagoon near the north-east tip is a shallow bay with electric blue water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Paleokastritsa has several small beaches and a monastery on the hill. The channel between Corfu and the mainland offers views of the Albanian mountains and the abandoned fort at Butrint. On the west coast, the cliffs near Agios Georgios are dramatic, and there are sea caves you can swim into when the water is calm.

Many skippers will also take you to the tiny island of Vido, just 10 minutes from Corfu town. It has a small beach, a café and walking trails. Further south, the islet of Othonoi is a popular lunch stop with a fish taverna. If you are interested in history, ask the skipper to pass by the Old Fortress or the Mon Repos estate, both are visible from the water. For more ideas, check the BoatHire24 blog for route suggestions and local tips.

What to Bring on Your Boat Rental Corfu

Pack light. Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (biodegradable is best), a hat and sunglasses are essential. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful if you are out in the afternoon when the breeze picks up. Most boats have a small cabin or a shaded area, but it is not guaranteed. Bring your own drinks and snacks, unless the operator provides catering. Some premium charters include a lunch of grilled fish and salad, check the listing details. A waterproof phone case is a good idea for photos without the risk of dropping your phone in the sea.

Do not bring glass bottles on board, they are a hazard if they break, and many skippers prohibit them. Use plastic or metal containers instead. If you plan to fish, bring your own gear or ask if the boat has rods. Some boats have a fishing licence included, but not all. Finally, bring cash for the balance payment, tips for the skipper (10-15% is standard) and any extras like mooring fees at beach clubs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Rental Corfu

How to Choose the Right Boat Size for Your Group

Getting the boat size right matters more than you think. A 6-metre RIB can feel cramped with 6 adults for a full day. For a group of 4 to 6 people, an 8-metre motor yacht gives you enough deck space to move around and a small cabin for changing. For 8 to 10 people, go for a 10-metre catamaran or a 12-metre motor yacht. The general rule is one metre of boat length per person for comfort. If you have children, add a bit more space so they can play without tripping over adults. The search page lets you filter by passenger capacity including the skipper, so you can see exactly how many guests fit.

What to Expect from Different Skipper Styles

Not all skippers run the same kind of trip. Some are relaxed and let you do your own thing, they will anchor and leave you to swim while they stay on the boat. Others are more interactive, pointing out landmarks, telling you about the history of the coast, and suggesting the best spots for photos. A few are very professional and keep conversation to a minimum, focusing purely on navigation and safety. On BoatHire24, each skipper has a short profile that gives you a sense of their style. If you want a social skipper who will join your group for lunch, look for one who mentions local knowledge and hospitality. If you prefer privacy, choose a skipper who emphasises discretion and professionalism.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

The listed price on BoatHire24 usually includes the boat, skipper, fuel and basic insurance. But there are extras that can add up. Some operators charge a cleaning fee of EUR 50 to EUR 100 if you leave the boat messy. If you want to dock at a beach club in Kassiopi or a taverna in Paleokastritsa, the mooring fee is typically EUR 10 to EUR 30. Water toys like a wakeboard or a sea scooter cost extra, around EUR 50 to EUR 100 per item per day. If you want the skipper to provide a lunch of grilled fish and local wine, that can be EUR 25 to EUR 40 per person. Always ask for a full breakdown before you confirm the booking. The skipper should tell you about any potential extras when you discuss the route on the morning of the charter.

Best Routes for Half-Day and Full-Day Charters

For a half-day boat rental Corfu, the most efficient route is north from Corfu town to the Blue Lagoon and back. That gives you about 90 minutes of cruising each way and two hours to swim and snorkel. Another good half-day option is the south route to the island of Vido and the nearby beach of Agios Gordios. For a full day, head north to the channel between Corfu and Albania, stop at the Blue Lagoon, then continue to the small port of Kassiopi for lunch. After lunch, cross to the west coast and explore the caves near Paleokastritsa before returning. That route covers about 50 nautical miles and takes 8 hours with stops. If you want something different, ask the skipper to take you south to the islet of Othonoi, which is about 20 nautical miles from Corfu town, a longer journey but with excellent fish tavernas and fewer boats.

How Weather Affects Your Charter in Corfu

The Ionian Sea is generally calm in summer, but weather can still disrupt plans. The meltemi wind, which comes from the north, can pick up in July and August, creating choppy conditions on the west coast. The east coast, sheltered by the mainland, stays calm in most conditions. If the forecast shows strong winds, the skipper will suggest an alternative route on the east side. In May and June, the sea is usually flat, but afternoon thunderstorms can blow in from the mountains. These pass quickly, usually within 30 minutes. In September and October, the risk of longer storms increases, but the weather is still good enough for charters on most days. The skipper will check the forecast the night before and decide if it is safe to go out. If the weather is dangerous, you can reschedule or cancel according to the operator's policy.

Tips for First-Time Charterers in Corfu

If you have never been on a private boat charter before, here are a few things to know. Arrive at the port 15 minutes early so the skipper can do a safety briefing and show you the facilities. Bring seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness, the boat can rock at anchor. Let the skipper know if anyone in your group cannot swim, they will provide life jackets and stay near shallow areas. Do not expect Wi-Fi on board, most boats do not have it. The skipper will have a phone for emergencies. If you want music, bring your own playlist on a phone and a Bluetooth speaker if the boat does not have one. Finally, tip the skipper in cash at the end of the trip, 10-15% of the charter price is standard in Greece.

Related guides

• Boat Rental Mallorca, Book a Skippered Charter Today
• Boat Rental Miami, Book Your Charter with BoatHire24
• Yacht Charter Ibiza, Book a Skippered Boat on the Costa del Sol
• Boat Rental Capri, Book Your Private Charter from Marbella
• The Best Time to Charter a Boat in Marbella
• Speedboat Rental Puerto Banus Hourly: Flexible Rates

Own a boat? How Much Can I Earn Renting My Boat?.